Over 300 horses and ponies tested for PPID

A scheme offering free adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) tests is proving a success. Over 300 horses and ponies have so far been tested for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) during the first seven weeks of the initiative, entitled 'Talk About Laminitis.'

Tests performed this spring revealed that PPID may affect up to one third of laminitic horses and ponies between 10 to 15 years of age, and the scheme has led to a reappraisal of the ages of horses tested for PPID.

Professor Andy Durham, from the Liphook Equine Hospital, commented: "For years we have known that horses and ponies with PPID are prone to laminitis, but recent evidence suggests that actually the majority of laminitis cases are caused by an underlying endocrine disease."

He added: "The last 24 months have been an absolute revolution in the number of laminitis cases tested for PPID, which is excellent medicine because if you don't test, you may be at risk of missing the diagnosis."

The scheme runs until the end of November. Vets can download free ACHT blood test vouchers here, and are encouraged to submit test from all cases of laminitis they see in horses from the age of 10.